Experts: Imrich Lichtenfeld, also known as Imi Sde-Or, was the founder of Krav Maga, one of the most effective and practical self-defense systems in the world. Developed for real-life combat situations, Krav Maga has been adopted by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, most notably the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Lichtenfeld’s legacy extends beyond martial arts, as he emphasized self-defense based on natural reflexes, efficiency, and survival.
Early Life and Athletic Background
Born on May 26, 1910, in Budapest, Hungary (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), Lichtenfeld grew up in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. His father, Samuel Lichtenfeld, was a highly respected police officer and self-defense instructor, which gave Imi early exposure to physical conditioning and combat training. Samuel’s emphasis on practical fighting skills, rather than mere competitive sport, deeply influenced Imi’s later development of Krav Maga.
As a young athlete, Imi excelled in multiple disciplines, including wrestling, boxing, and gymnastics. He won several championships in wrestling and also gained expertise in street fighting—an experience that would later shape his approach to self-defense.
From Street Fighting to Military Training
During the 1930s, as anti-Semitic violence surged in Bratislava, Lichtenfeld found himself leading a group of young Jewish fighters to defend their communities. He quickly realized that traditional wrestling and boxing techniques were not suited for real-life combat situations.
Through these encounters, he began to refine his self-defense philosophy: focusing on natural movements, quick neutralization of threats, and minimal injury to oneself.
With the rise of Nazi Germany, Lichtenfeld was forced to flee his homeland in 1940. After a perilous journey, he eventually arrived in British-controlled Palestine in 1942, where he joined the Hagana, a Jewish paramilitary organization. During this time, he trained fighters in hand-to-hand combat, developing the foundations of what would become Krav Maga.
The Birth of Krav Maga and Military Service
After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Lichtenfeld was appointed Chief Instructor of Physical Fitness and Hand-to-Hand Combat for the IDF. It was during his military service that he refined Krav Maga, ensuring it was simple, effective, and adaptable to real combat scenarios.
Krav Maga’s core principles include:
- Using instinctive movements for efficiency
- Simultaneously attacking and defending
- Prioritizing survival and neutralizing threats quickly
- Training under real-world conditions
For over 20 years, Lichtenfeld continued to develop and teach Krav Maga to Israeli soldiers, police forces, and security personnel.
Krav Maga for Civilians and Global Expansion
After retiring from military service in the 1960s, Lichtenfeld modified Krav Maga to make it accessible to civilians. He removed the more lethal military applications while keeping its practicality for self-defense. In 1978, he founded the Krav Maga Association to spread his teachings worldwide.
To standardize training, he introduced a belt ranking system, allowing students to progress in a structured manner. His dedication to teaching self-defense as a moral and ethical discipline made Krav Maga more than just a fighting style—it became a philosophy centered around personal safety, awareness, and responsibility.
Legacy and Death
Imrich Lichtenfeld continued teaching and refining Krav Maga until his death on January 9, 1998, in Netanya, Israel. His legacy endures through the countless practitioners and instructors who continue to teach Krav Maga worldwide. Today, Krav Maga is used by elite military units, law enforcement agencies, and civilians across the globe.
Lichtenfeld’s vision was simple: “So that one may walk in peace.” His self-defense system remains one of the most practical and respected combat disciplines ever created.
Imrich Lichtenfeld’s life was shaped by conflict, survival, and an unwavering dedication to protecting others. His creation of Krav Maga has left a lasting impact on self-defense training, ensuring that individuals—regardless of size or strength—can effectively defend themselves against threats. From the streets of Bratislava to the battlefields of Israel, his legacy lives on, proving that efficiency, adaptability, and instinct are the true cornerstones of self-defense.
